How to handle small pets 

How to handle rabbits 

Rabbits do not usually like being picked up and held unless they have been managed from a young age and even then, handling must be done carefully and gently.  

Rabbits who are not used to being picked up can be known to bite, scratch or even kick their owners. In a panic, they may lash out with their hind feet – and tragically, this can even break their spine, leaving them paralysed and requiring immediate euthanasia. Rabbits normally prefer being stroked on the floor, so they feel safer, rather than picked up and cuddled. 

It is important to remember that in the wild, rabbits are prey animals and so are naturally cautious about people and surroundings. They feel much safer on ground level where they can run and hide if they need to. This instinct is retained in our domestic rabbits, who might be nervous and scared when you pick them up. 

If you need to pick your rabbits up for any reason, you need to be able to do this confidently and correctly. If they panic, they could hurt themselves and accidently hurt you. 

Rabbits should always be approached in a quiet, calm, and confident manner and sudden or rapid movements should be avoided. 

You should pick up your rabbits by: 

• Placing one hand under your rabbit’s chest 

• Place your other hand under their hind legs. 

• Lift your rabbit and hold them against your body to keep them nice and secure, but do not squeeze too tight. 

If you can avoid it, try not to hold your rabbits for too long. They prefer to be able to run free and play on the ground and can find being held quite stressful. Never pick up a rabbit by its ears. 

How to pick up a guinea pig 

Guinea pigs are fantastic little pets and can very often form strong bonds with their human friends!  

However, they can be flighty and fast little animals and will sometimes run away from you, even if they are used to being picked up.  

Guinea pigs have delicate spines so need to be picked up with care. They should be kept upright, with all four feet facing the floor, so they do not damage their backs.  
If they are startled, they might jump out of your hands so do not hold them up high – they like to stay close to the floor. 

Pick up your guinea pigs by: 

• Placing one hand under or around their chest area. 

• Lifting and supporting their hind legs with your other hand. 

• Holding them close to your body for security. 

How to hold a mouse safely 

Mice can be fascinating pets to watch as they explore their cage, especially if you give them plenty to do. However, they will usually prefer to be petted or given treats inside their cage instead of being picked up. 

If you are looking for a small pet who will enjoy being picked up, think about rats or ferrets instead, as mice can be quiet little creatures as in the wild, as many other animals hunt them. 

It is natural for them to be nervous when they see a bigger animal, like us humans, coming towards them. Mice can bite if they are frightened or handled roughly. 

Mice are small, fast moving, and fragile. They can easily be injured by rough handling or by jumping out of your hands. If you do oversee them, it is important to pick them up carefully, so they do not get frightened. 

Adults and older children can pick mice up by: 

• Forming a cup with both hands either side of the mouse. 

• Scooping up your mouse securely on both palms. 

• Be careful that the mouse does not jump out of your hands. It is best to hold them low down over a flat surface so that if they do jump, they do not fall far. 

• Bigger mice can also be picked up with one hand around their chest area and the other supporting their hind legs. 

How to hold a rat safely 

Rats are friendly and outgoing pets who really enjoy human company. Unlike most small pets, rats love being picked up and handled by their human owners. 

While rats do enjoy human interaction, they will need to be picked up and managed from an early age, so they are used to it. Rats do not normally bite, and their larger size makes them easy to pick up. 

As with any pet, it is important to learn how to pick up your rat safely. This will protect them from injury, and they will stay calm and easy to manage. 

Adults and older children should pick up rats by: 

• Placing one hand under or around their chest area. 

• Lifting and supporting their hind legs with the other hand. 

• Hold them close to your body for security. 

• Rats can also be picked up by placing your hand on either side of them and scooping them up into your palm. 

• Rats often love sitting on people’s shoulders. 

How to hold a ferret safely 

Ferrets really enjoy spending time with their human companions are typically happy to be picked up and cuddled. 

If they are frightened or accidentally hurt, ferrets can give a strong bite. Getting them used to being picked up when they are young is important. If they are managed from an early age, ferrets will be really laid back, enjoy your company and love being picked up for cuddles. 

Although ferrets are bigger and more robust than other small pets, they can still be injured if they are handled roughly. Make sure everyone in your household understands how to pick up and hold your ferret. 

Ferrets are always more likely to want to be held once they have burnt off some energy. Play games with them and let them explore their secure area before you enjoy a cuddle. 

Adults and older children should: 

• Place one hand under or around the ferret’s chest 

• Lift and support the hind legs with your other hand. 

• Hold the ferret close to your body for security. 

Is it safe for children to hold small pets? 

It is better for children to stroke, and feed treats to small pets, rather than pick them up. Ask your child to sit in a secure area where the small pet can run free around them. Small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs and rats will then usually come up to take treats and, once they are used to each other, a child might be able to gently stroke them.